Feel the wind whip past your face. That’s the thrill of Montu. This isn’t just any roller coaster. This is Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Montu opened on May 16 1996. It was a game changer. At the time it was the world’s tallest and fastest inverted coaster. That’s a big deal for coaster enthusiasts. It still holds a record. It boasts the most inversions of any inverted coaster tied with Banshee at Kings Island.
Montu’s design is incredible. It’s 3983 feet long. It shoots up a 150-foot lift hill. Then plunges you into a series of heart-stopping drops. Prepare for seven inversions. These include two vertical loops a 90-foot Immelmann loop a zero-g roll a batwing and a corkscrew. You’ll experience up to 3.8 Gs. The entire ride is three minutes of adrenaline-pumping fun.
The coaster’s theme is Egyptian mythology. Its name comes from the ancient Egyptian god of war. He’s often depicted with a hawk’s head. A fun fact initially there was a Nile crocodile exhibit below the first turn. The crocs have since moved to a larger habitat.
Montu’s impact is undeniable. Critics loved it. Tom Buckingham called it a monster ride. Sabrina Rojas Weiss said it confused her senses. The Los Angeles Times even included it on their high rollers list. The ride also consistently ranks high in Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards. It’s a testament to Montu’s enduring popularity and thrilling design.
Montu is more than a roller coaster. It’s an experience. It’s a blend of engineering artistry and Egyptian mythology. It’s a ride that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Remember Montu. Remember the thrill.